US-headquartered alt-dairy group Califia Farms has snapped up plant milk dispenser manufacturer Uproot in a bid to push further into foodservice.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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Set up in 2019 in New York, Uproot develops plant-based milk dispensers for foodservice locations across the US.
The technology looks to offer a “convenient and sustainable solution” for serving plant-based milks to consumers by minimising packaging waste, said Califia Farms.
Uproot operates more than 150 dispensers around the country, offering a selection of plant-based milks at colleges, universities and “other dining locations”, according to a statement. The company’s website indicates that it also supplies corporate offices.
The deal will see Califia Farms’ milk alternatives being brought to all of Uproot’s dispenser locations, helping it “expand its away-from-home portfolio of products and services” in the US.
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By GlobalDataJust Food has asked Califia Farms to confirm which of its plant milks will be used in Uproot’s dispensers.
Califia Farms produces a range of plain and flavoured oat, almond and coconut milks in the US, available in major retailers, independent outlets and mainstream coffee roasters nationwide.
Commenting on the acquisition, Dave Ritterbush, CEO of Califia Farms, said: “The founders of Uproot have developed a turnkey solution for dispensing plant-based milk and have achieved impressive distribution in just five years.
“We look forward to building on this foundation, connecting with consumers in new ways and providing our plantmilks to more people.”
Uproot’s entire team, which includes its founders Jacob Conway and Kevin Eve, will join Califia Farms following the transaction.
Kevin Eve, founder of Uproot added: “Jacob and I founded Uproot to bring great plant-based milks to college dining and other food services. We are excited to continue this mission with Califia Farms because they share our commitment to nutrition and sustainability.”
The company’s push into the out-of-home sector is integral to the company’s global strategy. Speaking to Just Food earlier this year, Damien Threadgold, general manager of Califia Farms’ UK and EU operations, indicated that while the group had a strong retail presence in the region, it intended “to grow that away-from-home channel, which will then drive more people into buying in grocery”.
